An accident can be considered a chain reaction crash when three or more vehicles are involved. The momentum of one vehicle hitting another can cause a reaction with each additional vehicle in sequence. When it comes to chain reaction crashes, it can sometimes be difficult for investigators to determine exactly who may have been at fault.
The Press-Enterprise in Riverside reported on a series of crashes on the 91 Freeway on Thursday, April during the morning commute. Investigators with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) say that one man from Walnut was sent to the hospital while another man was killed in the collision.
The victim in the crash has been identified as Mason Parnell, 19, of Bakersfield.
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A spokesperson for the CHP, Trooper Juan Quintero, said in a statement that the accident happened at approximately 12:45 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of the 91 Freeway when a Ford Focus and a Honda Accord were stopped. The Ford Focus, being driven by Parnell, was facing the wrong direction due to an earlier crash which also disabled the vehicle’s lights. It was struck head-on by a Mini-Cooper, who was then rear-ended by a Toyota Corolla.
The force of the impact caused Parnell to be ejected through the open driver’s side window and onto the pavement. He was declared dead at the scene.
A passenger in Parnell’s vehicle, a 20-year-old man, was injured in the crash and taken to an area hospital for treatment. His identity and condition have not yet been released.
The CHP is still investigating the crash. So far, no charges have been filed.
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